Globe brings 5G technology to the Philippines

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Globe Telecom formally announced its fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology adoption in the Philippines, with the first 5G Globe At Home service to be commercially available by the second quarter of 2019.

The 5G network will boast of higher speeds, lower latency, and better capacity. This will enable Globe to deploy fixed wireless broadband at a fiber speed.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said the 5G technology would enable Globe to use Air Fiber technology in relation to deployment of fixed wireless broadband that would benefit individual customers at home and business clients alike. “Air Fiber internet, which makes use of  fixed location wireless radios instead of fiber, could provide speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps,” Cu added.

Globe will start rolling out 5G services commercially in the Philippines mid-2019.  “We have been preparing our network for sometime now with our existing vendor partners, including Huawei Technologies. We are happy to bring the Philippines in line with other countries that are early adopters of 5G.  Once again, we stay true to our commitment to bring first-world internet in the country,” Cu said.

Globe brings 5G technology to the Philippines. Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (middle), together with Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer Gil Genio (right) and Huawei Southern Pacific Region Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Lim Chee Siong (left), leads the launch of 5G.

The technology will also enable the company to go over the circuitous approval process of deploying a fiber optic cable, which involves multiple permits from local government units (LGUs). The right of process can sometimes take years to obtain delaying fiber optic roll-out completion.  

“We can bring internet to more homes by deploying 5G compared to a typical fiber optic roll-out,” Cu said.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu announces Globe to be among the 1st carriers to commercially rollout 5G services in the Philippines.

The 5G technology is expected to accelerate the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) in the country. Globe earlier announced said it is enabling its network by utilizing its spectrum assets particularly the 700-megahertz band.

Globe is currently piloting Narrow Band- Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology while enhancing its mobile data services. Due to its inherent advantage of long reach, this spectrum is ideal to support NB-IoT services.  NB-IoT is one of the three 3GPP standards-based low power wide area (LPWA) technologies developed to enable a wide range of new IoT devices and services. NB-IoT, as a standard, is more developed as compared to other defined 3GPP standards. Globe and Huawei are collaborating in this journey, ensuring network readiness to support these services.

The Globe network has one of the largest deployment of Massive MIMO (MM) in Asia as part of its strategic technology roadmap since 2016. MM is the fundamental radio access technology for 5G.

Globe has been spending over 31% of its annual total revenues to upgrade and expand its telecommunication and IT  infrastructure. For years, Globe has been ramping up its capital spend from P21.1 billion in 2012 to P36.7 billion in 2016 and P42.5 billion in 2017, in order to provide its subscribers of better broadband services. Globe recently disclosed that it will further accelerate its capital spend to over P43.5 billion this year.

Back in November 2015, Globe extended its partnership with Huawei, signing a five-year contract involving the planning and design of a wireless broadband network, as well as the creation of a wireless innovation center. Huawei was also the technology partner of Globe when it implemented a $700-million network modernization program that began in 2011.

Globe targets to roll out 5G Globe At Home Broadband plans by 2019. Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer Gil Genio (left) and Huawei Southern Pacific Region Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Lim Chee Siong (right) join Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (middle) in this major announcement.

Darren Espanto and TJ Monterde brought smiles to Cebuanos at the Vivo V9 Mall Tour Cebu leg

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Darren Espanto, who just recently concluded his successful Unstoppable concert a few days ago, flew to Cebu to be with fans at the Vivo V9 Mall Tour last June 1. Singer/songwriter and fellow Vivo endorser TJ Monterde was also in the oldest city in the country last June 3 to make an appearance at the same Vivo event.

Darren Espanto 

Darren, a Vivo endorser, holds a Vivo V9 in his hand at the Vivo V9 Mall Tour at SM City Cebu last June 1.

The Cebuano fans flocked to SM City Cebu last June 1 where they were treated to songs by Darren who even greeted his fans from the Queen City of the South in the local Cebuano dialect. Darren sang his top-of-the-charts hits along with his own rendition of Dying Inside. Darren, who just turned seventeen, was even surprised by the Darrenatics—his own fan base—onstage with a cake to celebrate his birthday and fourth year in showbusiness.

Darren renders songs for his fans who flocked to the Vivo V9 Mall Tour at SM City Cebu last June 1.

TJ Monterde

TJ, a proud Vivo endorser, visits Cebu for the Vivo V9 Mall Tour held at SM City Cebu last June 3

TJ gives long-time girlfriend and fellow Vivo endorser KZ Tandingan a call before the audience at the Vivo V9 Mall Tour at SM City Cebu last June 3

The Vivo V9 Mall Tour at the SM City Cebu was well-received by the Cebuanos. Apart from the appearances made by Darren and TJ, the big-ticket brand also gifted fans and loyal Vivo users with premium Vivo items and even Vivo V9 smartphones at the special games held at the event. The Vivo V9 Mall Tour in Cebu was just one of a few more to happen in an effort to bring the brand and the V9 closer to the Filipinos in different places all over the country.

Vivo V9

The Vivo V9 is an artificial intelligence (AI) selfie camera with a 16 MP+5 MP dual-camera setup. Much like its predecessors, the V7 and V7+, the V9 also rocks a 24 MP selfie camera that comes with features like AI Face Beauty Natural Light, Studio Light, and Monochrome background which brings selfie-taking with the new Vivo smartphone several notches higher in the quality scale. Selfie-fans will also benefit in the ample phone display of the Vivo V9 as it could improve the overall composition of every photograph taken, with enhanced clarity and definition.

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top 3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines /), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

Star Wars Fan Fest Lands in SM Cinema

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In line with the release of the highly anticipated film Solo: A Star Wars Story and in celebration of SM’s 60^th year, SM Cinema recently welcomed over 60 Star Wars costumed fans at SM North EDSA, The Block Atrium for the Star Wars Fan Fest!

Everyone was thrilled with the Star Wars-inspired hyper-space walkway tunnel and photo booth from SM Cinema while, Toy Kingdom indulged the fans and collectors as it featured Star Wars’ special merchandise and Globe 0917 opened their Star Wars themed apparel booth. Aside from these, the Star Wars geeks participated with the “Han Solo Pop Quiz Night”. Privileged winners got exclusive Star Wars items and SM Cinema movie cards.

SM Cinema, as it continues to promote the Reel-to-Real experience to its movie goers, also brought the force of Star Wars Fan Fest the day after its premiere at SM Aura where it held a much participated “market day” where interactive booths were unveiled, matched with an exciting mini-program serving as the front act for the night. Fans were also treated with a live art session and a light-saber handling tutorial to complete their Jedi experience! 

Solo: A Star Wars Story is digitally re-mastered for IMAX to give a boundless experience of Hans Solo’s adventure. Audiences can watch it in IMAX for crystal-clear images, customized theatre geometry and a powerful sound audio.

Catch SOLO: A Star Wars Story in IMAX, Director’s Club and SM Cinema branches nationwide. Book your tickets now through www.smcinema.com or for an even more convenient experience, download the SM Cinema app now. You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for more updates.

SM l Disney Partnership

SM Cinema / SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. forged a partnership with The Walt Disney Company in September 2015, to bring closer the world renowned Disney brand to the hearts of the Filipinos. The partnership aims to bring Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars through different Disney branded events, theatrical releases and promotions, and other unique Disney experiences through the synergy of the different subsidiaries of SM: SM Lifestyle Entertainment (SM’s lifestyle and entertainment arm), SM Supermalls, SM Markets, SM Retail, and Toy Kingdom.  

Paul Salas and Sassa Dagdag at theVIVO V9 Mall Tour in Tacloban

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Paul Salas and Sassa Dagdag had a jampacked show at the VIVO V9 Mall tour at Robinsons  Place, Tacloban City last May 19 – 20, 2018. 

Paul and Sassa are also proud members of the Vivo Family, a roster of the top smartphone brand’s influencers.

Vivo is a global brand known for its selfie-centric smartphones which represents the brand’s mission of empowering self-expression of the next generation. It features the most advanced technologies, not only for the cameras but for all aspects, from photo shooting to display, helping media-savvy and social media-devoted consumers capture and enjoy their most significant moments. Vivo signed the hottest celebrities in the Philippines in an effort to extend the brand to the local consumers, especially the young and the hip.

Paul Salas

Actor-dancer Paul Salas entertains Vivo fans and selfie lovers.

Young actor-model Paul Salas brought entertainment to a whole new level as he showcased his slick dance moves during the premium global brand Vivo at the mall tour. 

Paul, who rose to fame following his stint as finalist of GMA’s reality talent search “Starstruck Kids,”and also became as Kapamilya star.

The lucky mall audience bring home brand new unit of the Vivo V9

Paul  elicited loud cheers and applause from an enthusiastic crowd of Vivo fans, selfie lovers, and mall goers who got a chance to capture a perfect selfie with the young star.

Sassa Dagdag

The newest pop soul princess, Sassa entertains with amazing soul numbers and wows the mall shoppers and Vivo mobile phone lovers at the Tacloban mall tour. 

Sassa first rose to fame as a finalist on The Voice Kids PH Season 2 under Team Bamboo. She's now with the Polyeast Records. Her soulful voice, which people likened to Beyonce, won the hearts of many. 

Lucky audience members got the chance to bring home brand new units of the Vivo V9 and other special prizes and merchandise. The mall tour, which aims to bring the superb selfie experience closer to mallgoers and potential consumers as it promotes the “perfect selfie” V9 line.

Vivo V9

The Vivo V9 features a FullViewTM Display and 90% screen-to-body ratio with its 6.3-inch display and side bezels of 1.75mm. It delivers AI-powered photos with its 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual rear camera. The V9 is a sleek and stylish smartphone that can take the “perfect shot” and provide the “perfect view.”

Vivo's newest flagship smartphone is also equipped with the latest Android 8.1 OS and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64 ROM.

The Vivo V9 is packed with features that makes it a powerful and reliable smartphone for only Php17,990.

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vivophil, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines , and Twitter https://twitter.com/vivo_phil accounts.

Good Real Estate Investment for the Young

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Having your own property may seem like something to think about near middle-age, but making the right investment at this time in your life can open up many opportunities later in life.

Whether used as space for you and your loved ones or a personal wealth-building asset through rentals or sale, making a wise choice of property now will provide financial stability and security for your future.

Rewards for early birds

If you’re in your 20s to 30s, you have the advantage of time since a strategically-located residence can have increased value over the years. This means your home can build future wealth for you – saving you rent if you live there, or giving you passive income if you rent it out to tenants.

Investing early in real estate allows you to lock in payment terms according to your budget, protecting you from the effects of economic fluctuations.

As a personal reward, early property investment will teach you about fiscal responsibility and problem-solving. This will help you grow your cash flow even more. And of course, there’s the sense of fulfillment that comes with owning a home.

Socially, you get more time building relationships within the neighborhood and be part of a growing community.

Factors to consider

Get your financial affairs in order so you’re ready when opportunity strikes. Determine the amount you can commit to for 10 to 15 years. Developments in their pre-selling phase can sell out quickly, so being ready can help you get better deals. But while the price is important, the property’s potential must also be factored in.

Ask questions like: Is the location secure and accessible? Is it near schools, hospitals, commercial centers, churches, and other important establishments? What infrastructure are being built around the location? What options and amenities are offered by the developer? Can the property accommodate growth and change?

The answers can help you determine if you and your family, or your future tenants will be attracted to live there. It’s a good idea to research locations that are forecasted to appreciate over time and can offer a range of units that will fit your lifestyle.

Strategic investment options

Property developers today are competing to appeal to young professionals whose disposable income is expected to grow with the improving Philippine economy.

Among the sites on the rise is the North Belton Communities (NBC) by Lucio Tan-owned Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. Homes in NBC can be practical options for first-time home buyers. Located in Quezon City, it is well within the distance of medical facilities, schools, commercial and transportation hubs of Novaliches, and yet distanced enough from the most congested parts of Metro Manila.

The 5.2-hectare West Wing Villas features American-style homes. Its 70-150sqm units range from single-detached to duplexes designed to promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle of productivity and rest. Down the road, there’s already a supermarket and an upcoming shopping complex to complement other amenities nearby. 

Another exclusive community is the West Wing Residences. Spacious yet secure, it offers enviable comfort with its two- to four-bedroom residences. It is close to a major medical facility and college, along with leisure and entertainment options.

For those who prefer the urban vibe of condominiums while still isolated from the city hustle, The Manorsis  positioned as an address of aspiration and success. It enjoins start-up families, young professionals on-the-go, and overseas workers looking to settle back home to enjoy the comfortable life they worked hard for and deserve.